Library Board
St. Albert Public Library is governed by a Board of seven volunteer trustees. Trustees are appointed by City Council for a 3-year term, with a 2 term maximum. The Board governs the Library under the authority of the Alberta Libraries Act.
The Board meets at 7:00 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month from September through June. Board meetings are open to the public. Anyone wishing to attend an upcoming board meeting can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to attend the meeting.
For more information, please contact Peter Bailey, CEO, St. Albert Public Library at 780-459-1681 or pbailey [@] sapl.ca
Library Board Members 2024
Angela Benowski
Angela was born and raised in St. Albert and, after moving away upon completing university, returned in 2018 with her family. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and works in the energy industry in Accounting/Finance. Angela is passionate about the value of vibrant libraries in our community and believes that libraries play a fundamental societal role in being an inclusive and welcoming space for all, fostering and developing a love of reading in young children, and by encouraging life-long learning. Angela feels fortunate to support our community by being a member of the Library Board.
Meagan Dechaine
Meagan moved to St. Albert in 2019. She and her family love attending the library to read together and to access the children's reading programs with her elementary school aged kids. Meagan currently works with the YMCA of Northern Alberta as a human resource professional. An avid volunteer, she has spent many hours volunteering for the Edmonton Public Library and is excited to have the opportunity to contribute to her community by serving on the Library Board.
Donna Kawahara
Co-Chair. Donna (Dawn) has lived in St. Albert since 2007. She is a Registered Dental Hygienist for Alberta Health Services, has a Masters Degree in Health Leadership, and is currently completing a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. She has a long history of volunteering in the community, and enjoys photography, reading, writing, crochet and card-making. Donna believes that public libraries are the hub of communities, and is honoured to be able to be part of the St. Albert Public Library Board of Trustees. STARFest is one of Donna’s favourite programs at the library.
Julie Mann-Johnson
Julie Mann-Johnson is the Director for Field Education at the Faculty of Social Work with the University of Calgary. She has been a social worker for 25 years and has enjoyed living in St. Albert since 2005. Julie is particularly interested in how libraries become spaces where community comes together in various stages of life. She, her husband, and young adult daughters have enjoyed St. Albert Public Library in various and evolving ways over the years.
Deborah McTaggart-Baird
Co-chair. Deborah moved to St. Albert with her family in 2004 and the library was one of her first visits. She enjoyed a 32 year career in program management and community development with various municipalities and within healthcare. She is passionate about volunteerism and the importance of citizen engagement, and is happy to serve on the Library Board to support the role of this fundamental community service.
Jennifer Freitas
Jennifer moved to St. Albert in 2021. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and works in Internal Audit. Jennifer is passionate about giving back and is excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the St. Albert community by serving on the Library Board. Her gregarious personality and authentic passion translate into being a catalyst to inspire others, generate excitement and enthusiasm, take on challenges, and create momentum for new ideas. From Jennifer’s perspective, the library provides a pivotal role in the community with resources to support literacy and education as well as develop passion, creativity, and innovation for all individuals at any age.
Sherry Love
Sherry has lived in St. Albert since 1995. Her career with the Government of Alberta spanned many years where she has had the privilege of delivering frontline services, program policy planning and implementation for Albertans. Most recently she has garnered governance expertise through oversight and support to advisory and adjudicative boards throughout the province. Sherry is honoured to serve on the Library Board, believing libraries help build and shape healthy communities.
